The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported that young adults, particularly those aged 21-30 years, are the most affected by Lassa fever in 2025. The latest Lassa Fever Situation Report, covering Epidemiological Week 10 (March 3-9, 2025), also revealed that men are slightly more affected than women, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.
According to the report, the median age of infected individuals is 30 years, with cases recorded across a broad age range of 1 to 94 years. The higher prevalence among young adults suggests that working-age individuals in rural and semi-urban areas may face increased exposure due to rodent infestation, which remains the primary driver of Lassa fever transmission.
As of Week 10, Nigeria has recorded 2,960 suspected cases of Lassa fever, out of which 563 cases have been confirmed. A total of 103 deaths have been reported, bringing the case fatality rate (CFR) to 18.3 per cent.
The CFR has slightly decreased compared to the same period in 2024, which stood at 18.9 per cent. However, the NCDC cautioned that the disease remains a major public health threat, particularly in endemic areas.
The majority of cases – 73 per cent – have been reported in just three states:
– Ondo (31 per cent)
– Bauchi (25 per cent)
– Edo (17 per cent)
The remaining 27 per cent of cases are spread across 11 other states, highlighting the persistent endemic nature of Lassa fever in Nigeria.
Despite intensified efforts to curb the spread of Lassa fever, the NCDC identified several key challenges fueling transmission:
– Poor health-seeking behaviour leading to late presentation of cases
– Limited access to healthcare facilities in high-burden areas
– Poor environmental sanitation, which contributes to rodent infestation
To combat these challenges, the NCDC stressed the importance of early detection, proper hygiene and community awareness to break the chain of transmission.
The NCDC outlined several key interventions to tackle the outbreak:
1. Deployment of National Rapid Response Teams (NRRT) to Gombe, Nasarawa and Benue to strengthen surveillance and case management.
2. Training healthcare workers in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue, with plans to extend training to Plateau and Taraba.
3. Collaborating with WHO, MSF Geneva, and other stakeholders to improve case management and treatment strategies.
4. Nationwide sensitisation campaigns on rodent control and personal hygiene to prevent infection.
The NCDC urged Nigerians, especially young adults, to take the following preventive measures:
– Store food in sealed containers to prevent rodent contamination.
– Maintain proper sanitation in homes and workplaces.
– Seek medical care immediately if symptoms such as fever, sore throat, vomiting, or muscle pain appear.
– Encourage early testing and quick access to treatment centers to reduce fatalities.
Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease primarily transmitted through contact with urine or feces of infected rats. It can also spread from person to person through bodily fluids, contaminated objects, or infected medical equipment.
Common symptoms include: fever, sore throat, headache, vomiting, muscle pain etc. Severe cases may involve bleeding from body openings.
With the Lassa fever outbreak season still ongoing, the NCDC called for increased vigilance and better access to healthcare services to prevent further fatalities.
